Borneo Unveiled: From Balikpapan to Banjarmasin
In the footsteps of the Dayaks in the heart of Asia's last great primary forest.
Duration
10 days
From
€995/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
Embark on an immersive adventure in the heart of Kalimantan, meeting Dayak peoples, exploring primary jungle and ancestral traditions. From remote villages to wild rivers, discover a fascinating culture still deeply connected to nature.
Observe orangutans in the wild in Kutai National Park, explore mangroves teeming with amazing wildlife and hike through the lush forests of the Meratus Mountains.
From bamboo raft descents to diamond miners' villages and the floating markets of Banjarmasin, this journey reveals an authentic Borneo, far from the beaten path. An expedition rich in emotions for travelers seeking encounters, nature and adventure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Dayaks Kutai & Kenyah
Aéroport → Balikpapan
Welcome at Balikpapan airport by your English-speaking guide and transfer to Lekaq Kidau, a Dayak Kenyah village, whose ancestors descended from the distant Apokayan mountains in the 1970s to settle in more hospitable regions.
Later you return to Tenggarong, where you visit the former palace of the Sultan of Kutai Kertanegara. You will discover there in particular impressive collections of antiques, ceramics and Dayak art.
Famous "mandaus"
Balikpapan → Sangatta
Mid-morning visit to the museum of Dayak knives – the famous « mandaus », which were notably used in the past to behead (30 minutes drive). Then, you head to the traditional village of Pampang (2 hours), where Kayan Dayaks present their vibrant culture to you.
Dayak art, represented by tattooing and characterized by fluid geometry whose influence dates back to the Dong Son era, mainly depicts scenes of daily life. The long-eared women are also the last witnesses to a culture that is tending to fade away.
In the afternoon, transfer (4 hours) to the boom town of Sangatta.
Kutai National Park
Sangatta → Kutai National Park
Early in the morning, you travel up the Sangatta River by motorized canoe (30 minutes) to venture into the heart of Kutai National Park.
After settling into the ecolodge, you embark on a pleasant jungle walk to explore the local fauna and flora, particularly in search of orangutans in their natural habitat.
Short rest in the afternoon, then another hike early in the evening to observe the nocturnal wildlife.
Mangroves
Kutai National Park → Samarinda
The morning is dedicated to exploring the surrounding mangrove (2h), where the fauna and flora are very diverse (crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, birds, etc.).
Return to Sangatta at the end of the morning, then transfer (5h) to Samarinda.
Towards the South
Samarinda → Batu Kajang
Free time, then departure towards South Borneo. During this long journey (6-7 hours), you cross numerous forests, as well as palm oil plantations in the interior hills.
You also make a few stops in Dayak villages to meet the locals.
You arrive in Batu Kajang in the late afternoon.
In the heart of nature
Batu Kajang → Muara Komam
In the early morning, you continue your journey towards Muara Komam, where you board a motorized canoe to travel along the limestone cliffs that overlook the Kandilo River.
Later, you resume your journey to Loksado, a small village surrounded by lush nature.
In the heart of the forest
Muara Komam → Loksado
The day is dedicated to a very pleasant hike through equatorial rainforest, located on the slopes of Mt Meratus, during which you will discover magnificent waterfalls.
You will also cross several bamboo bridges, in order to meet Dayak villages.
Return to Loksado in the afternoon.
Eternal Diamonds
Loksado → Cempaka
The morning is dedicated to an entertaining descent of the Amadit river by bamboo raft.
At Muara Hariang, your vehicle takes you to the famous village of Martapura, renowned for its diamond industry.
At Cempaka, you will observe how workers search for rough diamonds, then you rejoin Banjarmasin in late afternoon.
Floating Market
Banjarmasin is not only famous for its diamonds, but also for its floating market, an integral part of the culture of the Banjars, the majority ethnic group in the region.
You will also take the opportunity to go up the canal (by motorized canoe) to deepen your knowledge of local culture.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
See you very soon in Borneo
Banjarmasin → Aéroport
Free time until transfer to the airport.
Flight to Jakarta.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and possible airport taxes
- Travel Insurance and Assistance
- Beverages, personal expenses and tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Ground transfers in a privatized and air-conditioned vehicle (with driver)
- Lake and river transfers
- Full board accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary above
- Site entrance fees, trek permits & donations
- Mineral water and fruits
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Borneo
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
